Wednesday, February 1, 2012

My first costuming project:Hastings Founders Week

Two years ago this September I would have participated in my first historical costuming/designing project. It took place in my home town Hastings, Ontario. I had worked with the Hastings Historical Society and some friends to put together events and design and make costumes to celebrate the founding of the town of Hastings. It was a weeklong event and not only was I part of the costuming crew I also got to wear most of the costumes I made, although I did make costumes for others and not just myself.

Mourning gown
Most of my gowns were bright and youthful but I also made a mourning gown. (I am modeling my own gown on the left)This gown is not entirely black so it would be intended for semi mourning. I wanted to keep the traditions and beliefs from the Victorian period for my character.
For one of my last appearances in costume I wore this, I was sad to see the festival coming to an end and but I also wanted to portray my character as a young widow as most pioneer women married young and could easily lose a husband in a farming or hunting accident.

Pink Gown
I am modeling my own gown on the far right of this picture with some members of Hastings Founders Week. I did some alterations on it earlier this year but this is a picture of it in its original design.
I really had no set inspiration for this dress it was a whole mix of things but my biggest inspiration was its fabric it is pink with beautiful pink rosebuds printed on it. Since it was to be a pioneer costume I went for a girly country vibe.
My inspiration for its recent alterations is Marie Antoinette I like the split skirt with the underskirt showing at the front, so originally there was a seam at the very front of the dress's skirt, but I cut that and added lace trim and now have a light pink underskirt trimmed with lace to go underneath it.

Rust Colored Riding Habit

The riding habit that I made (Which is modeled by a friend below) was inspired by a similar rust colored riding habit with full skirt also featured below.
I wanted to go for a more regency feel to it so I planned something similar only with a considerably deflated skirt.
I admit it did turn out different than originally planned as do most of my designs I continuously design and work with it until I get a perfect final result, but I had also given up on this costume half way through making it and it was continued by my friend Natalia Tjiang as she was supposed to wear it in The Hastings Founders Week Festival but could no longer participate and this was supposed to be her costume. So by technicality this one was co designed & created.  
The riding habit was supposed to have a duplicate so that there would be matching set only the other one was to be browner with rust colored accents rather than rust colored with brown accents. Natalia & I were to wear them but due to her inability to participate in most of the event these rust colord habits were not featured in the festival. 
Meant to be worn with long black riding gloves like the inspirational photo above this is probably one of my better creations I made for The Hastings Founders Week Festival.